Roland Corp. (http://www.RolandUS.com) has released the VP-770 Vocal & Ensemble Keyboard, which is powered by the company's "SuperNatural" technology. It has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$2,199. With a solid wood construction and metal chassis, the VP-770 features an improved interface, plus expressive onboard sounds applicable across a vast array of musical genres, according to the folks at Roland. A headset microphone comes standard and purportedly provides the best signal path possible in combination with the VP-770's pristine onboard microphone preamp. The VP-770 is equipped with high-resolution vocoder modeling. This can be used to generate signature vocal effects for the dance music, pop, R&B, and hip-hop genres without the hassle and expense of a separate vocoder or processor.

Russound, the #1 brand in multiroom audio, has announced its first control solution designed to work with Apple's popular iPhone and iPod touch products. The new RNET Touchpoint user interface allows end users to control zones and source components in a Russound multiroom installation wirelessly, from anywhere in the home, through a friendly graphical user interface (GUI) designed expressly for their iPhone or iPod touch. "The RNET Touchpoint is more than an application for the iPhone or iPod touch," said Russound Product Manager Roger Soucy. "It's a true IP-to-serial control interface that gives users a convenient, one-touch wireless control solution, through a platform that they're already comfortable with, and without the need for any additional downloads or plug-ins." The Touchpoint TCHS1 is a network connected device that works with any IP-based wireless LAN, and serves up customized interface screens that can be viewed with the built-in Safari browser on either an Apple iPhone...

Loopware has released iFlash Touch 1.0 (http://www.loopware.com/iflashtouch/), the free companion iPhone app for iFlash on the Mac (http://www.loopware.com/iflash/), which cost US$14.95. iFlash for Mac is a flash card studying program that lets you create card decks on any subject, and then study them back using your Mac. Now, with the release of iFlash Touch, those same decks can be exported to your iPhone or iPod touch for studying on the go. iFlash Touch supports the key features of iFlash for Mac (like infinite card sides, simple memorization, and categories) while providing a simple interface.

Onset Computer Corp. (http://www.onsetcomp.com/), the HOBO data logger company, has introduced the HOBO U30/NRC Weather Station Starter Kit, a new weather monitoring kit that combines the company's research-grade data logging weather station with a suite of plug-and-play weather sensors. It's designed for agricultural research, ecology studies, wind monitoring, and other application. The U30/NRC accepts up to 10 plug-and-play weather smart sensors that can be plugged in to the logger and automatically recognized without complicated wiring, programming, or calibration. All system electronics are integrated within a NEMA six-rated, double weatherproof enclosure ensuring years of dependable operation in harsh environmental conditions. With the optional HOBO U30 Shuttle, data from U30/NRC systems can be offloaded in the field and downloaded to a Mac or PC for analysis with HOBOware Pro software. The HOBO U30/NRC Weather Station Starter Kit includes a HOBO U30/NRC data logger, a solar...

Syncro Soft Ltd, the producer of Syncro SVN Client (http://www.syncrosvnclient.com), has announced the immediate availability of version 4.2 of its Subversion (SVN) client. Syncro SVN Client supports SVN 1.6.2, allowing users to take advantage of the latest SVN improvements and fixes. Previous SVN versions are also supported, the user being able to decide whether a working copy should be updated to version 1.6 or not. Subversion 1.6 recognizes a new kind of conflict, known as a "tree conflict". Such conflicts manifest at the level of directory structure, rather than file content. These conflicts include deletions of locally modified files and incoming edits to locally deleted files. Syncro SVN Client allows to handle these conflicts offering a dialog that lists possible solutions for solving these conflicts. Subversion 1.6 allows to link to external files by putting their URLs in the svn:externals property on the parent folder. Syncro SVN Client allows you to create, update, commmit...

MacSpeech (http://www.macspeech.com) has released MacSpeech Dictate 1.5, the first major upgrade to the speech recognition solution for the Mac. The upgrade introduces a new Vocabulary Editor, new English profile options, enhanced accuracy and more. MacSpeech Dictate 1.5 requires Mac OS X 10.5.6 or higher and is available for US$199 as a new purchase, or US$54.95 for current owners of MacSpeech Dictate. Now for the first time, MacSpeech Dictate customers can add, delete, manage and train words in their profile's vocabulary using a new Vocabulary Editor. The new Vocabulary Editor also lets people customize behaviors related to the included words, such as capitalization, pronunciation or the use of spacing surrounding the word. The new MacSpeech Dictate 1.5 provides greater accuracy than ever before, according to MacSpeech CEO Andrew Taylor. He says the underlying technology enhancements provide up to 20 percent more accurate recognition than previous versions. From the initial profile...

Boinx Software announced the release of BoinxTV 1.3, an important update to its breakthrough live production software that turns a Mac into a TV studio.* BoinxTV 1.3 adds new features and workflow enhancements as well as further improvements in performance and stability. Version 1.3 supports Veescope Key Softlyght, a high-quality chroma keying filter that is available separately for $49. By popular demand, the update also features an integrated configurable audio delay compensation and convenient settings to automatically create device sources. BoinxTV 1.3 is available as a free update and is highly recommended for any BoinxTV user. "We are very excited by the level of enthusiasm that BoinxTV has created since we shipped it about 6 months ago," says Oliver Breidenbach, CEO of Boinx Software. "Partnerships like the one with DVDxDV are a sign of a blossoming ecosystem around the BoinxTV platform. We are happy to be able to offer customers more options through cooperations like this." "...

Imeem, a social music service, has announced the imeem Mobile (http://www.imeem.com/mobile) social music application for iPhone and iPod touch. It's available for free at the Apple App Store. Imeem Mobile lets you discover, and purchase music on their mobile device. Fans can create custom stations based on their favorite artists, discover new music through personalized recommendations, and download songs from the iTunes Store directly onto their iPhone or iPod touch. Imeem Mobile also includes MyMusic, a feature for music enthusiasts with large music collections. MyMusic enables music lovers to browse and stream their personal imeem music library. People can upload up to 20,000 songs of the music they own directly to imeem.com, and then enjoy the songs on the go whenever they want without taking up additional storage on their mobile device, according to Dalton Caldwell, founder and CEO of imeem.

Media companies, publishing houses, and corporate publishers now have the option to rent vjoon's K4 Publishing System (though not in the Americas). According to their individual situation, publishers can hire as many K4 workstations, K4 Web Editor licenses, and other system components such as K4 Overview or K4 XML Exporter as their projects, order position, and workload demand. New customers can test the system, existing customers can add additional K4 seats to their current system as needed. K4 runs locally or remotely as a solution hosted by one of vjoon's integration partners. The costs for Adobe InDesign CS4 Server and the database are included in the rental fee. This enables Adobe InDesign and InCopy users to test the system and experience the time and cost savings brought on by K4 under actual production conditions. Find more information go to www.vjoon.com/rent-k4 .

Samsung Technologies (http://www.Samsung.com) has announced the Expedition XP3081, a portable PA system with an iPod docking station. It's designed for traveling performers and presenters and will ship next month. The XP308i comes complete with dual two-way speakers, an on-board mixer and 300-watt power amplifier. You can pack all the pieces together into a single case. It all weights less than 40 pounds. The system's speakers are 2-way vented enclosures with heavy-duty 8-inch woofers for deep bass. These are complemented by a 1-inch titanium tweeter set in a custom horn with a 60 x 90 coverage pattern, according to Mark Wilder of Samson Technologies. The XP308 also sports: an 8-channel mixer with built-in iPod dock, four mic/line inputs; two stereo inputs; phantom power; integrated 1-3/8 speaker stand mounts; bass and treble control on the mixer's channel inputs; monitor output on two 1/8-inch jacks that allows connection to external monitors; an internal effects processor; a Music/...

Extensis, a division of Celartem Inc., today announced Universal Type Server 2.0 Professional and Lite. Universal Type Server 2.0 Professional is the only server-based font management solution that offers secure and dynamic integration with Microsoft's Active Directory and Apple's Open Directory. This functionality will be available to new and existing Type Server Professional customers at no additional cost for a limited time--a $3500 value. "The Directory Integration Module offers administrators the easy user management they need in today's fast-paced work environments," said Brian Berson, General Manager at Extensis. "This goes far beyond the LDAP functionality available in the market. We're excited to offer our customers a secure way to simplify and automate user management." Users on both Mac OS X and Windows benefit from "single sign-on," leveraging Kerberos secure network authentication, providing an end-to-end solution for client deployment. Universal Type Server 2.0 has new...

Smart Scroll (http://www.marcmoini.com/sx_en.html), the scrolling utility that lets you use the same set of keys for scrolling in all applications, to version 3.0. The upgrade adds support for Mac OS X 10.5.7 and Safari 4. It also sports a new Hover Scroll feature for Cocoa applications and support for Camino 2 and Firefox 3.5b. Smart Scroll 3.0 adds a "Lift fingers to coast" trackpad option for Super Scroll, new trigger options for Grab Scroll and new per-application settings. Smart Scroll costs US$19 for a single-user license. It's compatible with Mac OS X 10.3.9 and higher.

BOSS (http://www.BossUS.com) has released a new line of tuners for every price range and level of musician with the TU-1000, TU-12EX, TU-12BW, and TU-88 digital tuners. Featuring a high-intensity LED meter for visibility on dark stages or outdoors, the flagship TU-1000 sports a floorboard design that powers up to six effects processors and includes two audio outputs. The TU-12EX features the BOSS needle-type meter and LED tuning guide in a sleek thin-line body and compact size. New features include a flat tuning function, reference tone, auto-off, and Accu-Pitch, which helps musicians verify their tuning by sounding a beep when the correct tuning is reached. The TU-12BW features an expanded tuning range to correspond to a range of brass and wind instruments. It also features the BOSS needle-type meter and LED tuning guide, as well as a contact Mic and dedicated holder to attach on music stands. In addition to authentic BOSS' tuner and metronome features, the TU-88 features a built-in...

TechRestore (http://techrestore.com) has begun offering a 500GB, 7200 RPM Overnight Drive Upgrade service that includes data transfer and free shipping for Apple laptops. The US$299 service includes the Seagate ST9500420AS 7200RPM hard drive. TechRestore says the hard drive upgrade service is completed within 24-hours and includes installation of the new drive into the users MacBook or MacBook Pro, data transfer from the old hard drive onto the new drive and return shipping. An exact clone of the users data is transferred to the new drive ready for immediate use when their Mac is returned to them. Clients also have the option of having their old hard drive installed into an external enclosure for an additional $39, which works with the Time Machine backup feature in Mac OS 10.5.

Realtime Audio Adventures (http://www.RTAudioAdventures.com) says Soul Trapper: Preview, the demo version of the Soul Trapper audio adventure game, is now available for the iPhone and iPod touch. In the preview version, the player is introduced to the adventure with the first four of the 23 chapters from the full version of the game. Here's how the game is described: "In Soul Trapper, players follow the turbulent life of Kane Pryce, a 27 year-old drifter who possesses a mysterious device known as the Soul Trap. The Soul Trap is a supernaturally-charged object that allows him to hunt down, capture, and send ghosts from the earthly realm to the afterlife. In this chilling adventure story, players help Kane unlock the mysteries surrounding a haunted church that stirs newfound emotions while navigating a maze of gangsters, dames, ghosts, and demons." Realtime also kicked off a special limited time promotion for the full version of Soul Trapper. During the promotion, consumers can...

Aquafadas (http://www.aquafadas.com) has updated iDive, its digital video catalog for Mac OS X, to version 1.9. The upgrade comes with a rewritten Capture Module to take advantage of the more modern QuickTime functionalities. This new version comes with the following new features and improvements: new possibility to drop frames between clips; new possibility to specify what the camcorder should do after recording; improved support for the end of tape detection; improved naming of frames when bulk exporting; improved support for on-the-fly compression in the capture module; and other enhancements and performance improvements. iDive 1.9 also fixes a number of issues when sorting sources in the Sources list and a bug when setting a custom aspect ratio. The movie now plays with the correct ratio and the exported frames are correct. Also, this new version of iDive adds support for the Turbo.264 hardware accelerator. iDive is a central hub for your movies and clips. iDive is the ideal...

NZXT has released the Cryo S (http://www.nzxt.com/products/cryo_s), a "high performance notebook cooler." The US$49.99 device is built with brushed aluminum and houses two adjustable 120mm fans that provide cooling to any notebook up to 15 inches. Its rubber finish lifts the notebook up slightly to remove heat pockets and enhance airflow. The Cryo S can be powered via USB or the included AC adaptor and provides two additional USB ports to give users even more options for media, storage and input devices.

LaCie (http://www.lacie.com) has announced the LaCie 2big Network and the LaCie 5big Network. The latter takes advantage of a Gigabit Ethernet connection and features five hot-swappable drives that support seven RAID modes. And, with the latest capacity advancements, the 5big Network includes a 10TB model, making it the first in its class to offer double-digit capacity, according to Edin del Mar, LaCie's SOHO (small office/home office) NAS Product Manager. The 5big Network is now compatible with Time Machine backup software. Additionally, the 5big Network provides improved multimedia server capabilities, allowing users to play media from the NAS solution through a UPnP-AV compatible device such as a PS3 or Xbox, directly to a television or directly to any DLNA multimedia device. The 5big Network is also compatible with the iTunes server, which provides iTunes users access the NAS device from the application interface. The 2big Network is a two-bay RAID device that provides up to 4TB...

Mundue.net has released its latest iPhone and iPod touch app: inFact Hoops (http://www.infactgame.com), an interactive sports trivia game based on star players of the NBA. It's available for US$2.99 at the Apple App Store. A free, ad-supported version is also available. With inFact Hoops you can choose between a leisurely learning mode and a fast paced scoring mode. In the scoring mode you're rewarded with points for answering questions in a short period of time that decreases as you progress through the quizzes. Select the difficulty level (easier, harder, both) and choose from 1-8 categories to customize each game to your liking. Categories include draft team, position, awards, player pictures, and more. Each question is generated dynamically from a database of over 1,500 facts.

DMX, a provider of music experiences, is launching its Sonic Tap digital music service (http://www.sonictap.com) in beta form. Sonic Tap offers thousands of professionally designed playlists, handcrafted by DMX' team of experts, to perfectly fit any moment, claims DMX CEO John Cullen. Drawn from a DRM-free library of more than five million songs, including the four majors, every Sonic Tap playlist is compatible with iTunes/iPods and Windows/MP3 players. Consumers can search by genre, lifestyle, music designer, artist, album or song. In addition, by clicking on the name of an artist or song within a playlist, consumers can find every other professionally designed playlist featuring that artist or song. Playlists can be downloaded directly in a consumer's iTunes' library; Sonic Tap will even create the playlist within iTunes automatically.

Nova media has introduced tethered modem support for BlackBerry Storm 9500 with an update of launch2net (http://www.novamedia.de/e_pages/e_produkte_mac_l2n.html), its mobile connection manager for Mac OS X. launch2net offers mobile Internet access and already includes drivers and network access information to connect with cell phones, modems and most mobile network operators worldwide. In addition, launch2net offers advanced statistic information on the time and data volume spent online and features convenient connection preferences like the ability to auto-connect or to disconnect after a certain time or data limit has been reached. "To use the BlackBerry Storm as a modem with a Mac, it is sufficient to connect the smartphone via Bluetooth," says Jan Fuellemann of nova media. "launch2net will do the rest and offers a mobile Internet connection for the Mac with up to 7.2 Mbits/s download speeds." As launch2net is able to store connection and device profiles, it's not necessary to open...

Bare Bones Software (http://www.barebones.com) has announced the release and immediate availability of BBEdit 9.2, a significant update to its professional strength HTML and text editor. BBEdit 9.2 introduces an array of noteworthy features and refinements, including an innovative new Sleep command, which captures the state of the application and restores it at next launch. By sleeping BBEdit instead of quitting, customers can continue working after a system restart or software update with minimal disruption. The version 9.2 update also adds built-in support for editing LassoScript source code, including syntax coloring, function navigation and text folding. "LassoSoft focuses on helping Web developers create custom, data-driven Web sites without requiring a degree in computer science to do the job," explained Fletcher Sandbeck, co-founder of LassoSoft. "Bare Bones Software's BBEdit is a wonderful fit for our developer community, and we are thrilled with the LassoScript editing...

TransGaming has announced a partnership with Tale of Tales to bring their biggest project to date -- a horror game entitled The Path (http://www.gametreeonline.com/tale-of-tales/the-path/)-- to the Mac. The Mac version of The Path was enabled by TransGaming's Cider Engine and will be digitally distributed globally. Available immediately, The Path for Mac can be downloaded by the Mac community for US$$9.99 US at Tale-of-Tales.com, GameTreeOnline.com and other GameTree Network sites. "The title refers to the path to grandmother's house in the story of Little Red Riding Hood that inspired our design," directors Auriea Harvey (US) & Michael Samyn (BE) explain, "The path that you're not supposed to stray from for fear of meeting the wolf. But it also has another meaning. While most videogame designs encourage you to achieve your goals quickly and efficiently, The Path allows you to focus entirely on what happens between start and finish. Much like life, our game ends with death. But...

Boris FX (http://www.borisfx.com) has released a free EPS Extrusion Filter for Boris Continuum Complete 6 AE customers. This new filter provides away to import and extrude Adobe Illustrator layered vector logos and graphics in Adobe After Effects. The filter includes full integration with the After Effects 3D camera and lighting system and incorporates the same 3D material presets and free-form deformation properties of other BCC 6 AE 3D Objects filters. The filter is capable of tracking an EPS file using a Watch Folder, making the EPS file "live" should it be edited in Adobe Illustrator. A handy "Keep EPS Color" feature lets you preserve the original fill colors for each element as a diffuse color option of the material.